Parents say a home-cooked meal is the perfect gift from family & Friends
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The arrival of a new baby is undoubtedly one of the most joyous yet challenging experiences new parents will face. Whether it’s their first child or their third, adjusting to the demands of parenthood takes time and patience.
Fortunately, loved ones from near and far often rally around to offer support in various ways – from giving their time, helping financially, or lending a hand with household tasks. Their care can make a world of difference during this special, yet often overwhelming chapter of life.
Among the most crucial aspects for new parents, is ensuring they are well fed by enjoying hearty comfort food. A recent survey from HelloFresh of 2,000 UK parents has revealed a quarter (25%) agree they would prefer to receive home cooked-meals as a gift as they ease into parenthood. This was considered more important than items such as soft toys, storybooks or vouchers for spa treatments. One in five (6%) also said they would prefer to receive food subscription gifts to help them transition smoothly.
The research also found that when it comes to specific meals, new parents would prefer to receive hearty and tasty dishes such as a traditional roast dinner (30%), lasagne (28%), fish and chips (23%), cottage pie (21%) or soup (20%). On the other hand, the least popular dishes were risotto (6%), burger and chips (8%) and chilli con carne (10%).
Which dishes would UK parents like to receive the most as a gift?
| Ranking | Dish | % of parents that said they would most like to receive it as a gift |
| 1 | Roast dinner | 30% |
| 2 | Lasagne | 28% |
| 3 | Fish and chips | 23% |
| 4 | Cottage pie | 21% |
| 5 | Soup | 20% |
| 6 | Pizza | 19% |
| 6 | Shepherd’s Pie | 19% |
| 7 | Spaghetti Bolognese | 18% |
| 8 | Casserole | 17% |
| 9 | Stew | 12% |
| 10 | Sausage and mash | 10% |
Additionally, the findings showed responses differed drastically between age groups, with younger parents claiming fish and chips would give them the most comfort – and those aged between 35-44 agreeing a lasagna or other form of pasta bake would be most appreciated.
It appears parents might not be able to agree on what to have for dinner, as the research showed the top choice for over a third of women (35%) was a hearty roast dinner, compared to less than a quarter (23%) of men. Whereas the favourite dish for more than a quarter of dads (27%) was a classic fish and chips, compared to just a fifth (21%) of women choosing this.
When analysing the data across UK regions, most agreed that they would prefer to receive a classic roast dinner, packed with delicious meat, veg and topped with plenty of gravy. However, this wasn’t the case in Scotland where parents said they would prefer to receive soup, especially in Glasgow (41%) and Edinburgh (36%). Likewise, over a third (31%) of parents in Manchester said they would prefer to receive a delicious cottage pie. The South East of England (27%) and Wales (38%) are also in agreement that a delicious lasagne, or similar type of pasta bake would be most comforting after welcoming a baby into the world.
Mimi Morley, Senior Recipe Development Manager at HelloFresh said,
“In the early days of welcoming a new baby, one of the most considerate ways to care for a new parent is through nourishing meals that not only fuel the body, but also support health and wellbeing. Nutrient dense foods like hearty vegetable soups, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats can support the body’s healing. Quick recipes and easy-to-prepare meals are especially helpful when time is short and energy is low.
“While it’s important to prioritise nutritious foods and wellness, don’t forget to indulge in your favourite dishes, like a comforting lasagne or mouth watering dessert to bring you some extra comfort.”
For more information on food subscription boxes, visit the HelloFresh website.
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